King keen to play part in retirement

Tottenham's Ledley King is disappointed to be calling time on his playing career but looking forward to a future with the north Londoners off the field.

PUBLISHED: 15:56, Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Ledley King was a one-club man, joining Tottenham at the age of 14 [PA]

The 31-year-old centre-back has spent his entire career at White Hart Lane and captained the side since 2005. King, though, has long suffered from chronic knee problems, which limited his game and training time in recent years.

Rumours were abound this summer that such issues would force him to quit and that was confirmed by the defender on Thursday. He told the club's official website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com: "I have been here since I was a boy, I have always considered it my club and have always found it hard to imagine wearing the shirt of another team."

He added: "I know that being a one-club man is a rarity these days, but I have always enjoyed being part of the set-up here and the challenge of putting this club up with the elite where it should be.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone at the club and to the fans.

"I have missed a lot of football over the years, but the Spurs fans have always been patient and incredibly supportive with me during difficult periods.

"Sadly my injuries and inability to train have now finally brought an end to my career.

"I have been in Tottenham for around 17 years, having started at Spurs when I was 14.

"It is a second home for me and I am pleased that I can continue to work within the club and for the local community, especially after the devastation caused by the riots last year.

"I am already heavily involved with the work of Spurs Foundation and the new stadium scheme will be a major factor in the regeneration of the area, so I am delighted that I shall be part of that."